My dad sent me a link to a website that sells some kite skates that are like what Bob "Doomwheels" Childs makes. I wonder if Bob Childs know about these, or this company, and if maybe he has authorized them to make and sell them, or if they're just stealing his idea? Here's the link:

http://www.allwebscooters.com/pp_09.asp

Well, I can't say that I ever tried to lay claim to the idea and I never wanted to sell skates. I have instead promoted making skates at home using a stable and easy-to-build design (that I still use myself).

I've used the Leap Skates and think they are a very good skate for the money. They are well-made and offer a quick release binding with ankle support so you may use your own shoes. 12 inch wheels and a lowered boot platform makes them stable. They even come with hand brakes for downhill use.

Although I would have reservations using them at speeds over 35, I think this skate would please a lot of weekend kiteskaters in most situations. I recommend Leap Skates for those who want an easy and inexpensive way to get into recreational kiteskating yet don't feel like making their own.

Are you sure they have a " quick release " binding ? Or is it just an innovative binding ? I don't exactly see how it releases ? I like the idea of a Q.R. on the boot, like skis. I would consider going that route if so.

Why would you be concerned about these at high speeds over a home built set ?

Is it possible to mod them to have offset wheels like you recommend ?

Quote:

Originally posted by doomwheels I've used the Leap Skates and think they are a very good skate for the money. They are well-made and offer a quick release binding with ankle support so you may use your own shoes. 12 inch wheels and a lowered boot platform makes them stable. They even come with hand brakes for downhill use. Although I would have reservations using them at speeds over 35, I think this skate would please a lot of weekend kiteskaters in most situations.

Actually it is a 'use your own shoes' binding. 2 ratchets and you're out.

The reason I'd keep to slower speeds is because this type of binding does not offer the control and stability of a full skate boot. You feet tend to move around a bit (unless you have super tight shoes) and that may cause your balance to shift at high speed.

I'm not sure if you can offset the front wheels - I'd have to take a closer look. However, I've found that if the boot platform is lowered (by bending the rails), offsetting the front wheels becomes less effective because you are not really able to get the same degree of lean as you can with straight rails.

There's another reason I prefer homemade Doomwheels. Straight rails means better lean providing better leverage against the kite and better turning edge. The more upright you ride, the more likely you are to be pulled downwind in gusts etc.

But I'm not knocking the Leap Skate. I don't think they intended them for racing speed kiteskating. They are a well-made affordable skate that will work well for most users. I advise them, however, to keep under 35mph.

If they had a full, stiff, ankle-high boot and straighter rails (only drop 1 in. max), these would be the perfect kiteskate.

Excellent answers ! Thanks !
I agree the Leapskate looks a good manufactured item. I think I'll stick to the Coyotes for recreational fun.

How important is it too keep weight down ? I need to build something capable of challanging your top speeds although I think you'll hold on to the record for a while :wink2:I have it stuck in my head that I want to build with ski boots and bindings. The rollerblade method is definately more simple !

Regarding weight, I don't try to keep it down at all. Weight equals speed in open areas.

I once considered ski boots but didn't like the stance. Bindings are not desirable. Last thing I want it a binding to come loose at top speed. Imagine that much of your foot pressure is twisting the toe and heel as you skate in changing direction against the pull of the kite. You'd likely pop out of the binding by performing normal actions.

Regarding safety, I once did crash tests to see if knee twisting could be a problem. Found out that in most situations, the first part of my body to hit the ground was my hip. At high speeds, crashing resulting in spinning on my hip once like a top. Never was my knee or ankles a part of the mix.

Another tip: The longer the wheel base, the higher you may go.

Hope this helps.

I bought a pair of these after my Crosskates got stolen about 2.5 years ago. After playing around once or twice, I ended up scrapping the bindings & attached a pair of downhill ski boots instead. This was an easy mod vs building my own from scratch & they've been great ever since. The original bindings were definately too unstable for kiting. I used stiff shoes & thightened up the bindings until they were cutting off circulation to my feet (slight exagerration) & I still didn't have good enough ankle support. With the new boots attached I've had no problems at all & I've gotten them up to at least 45mph on many occasions on pretty rough terrain. Oh, I also nixed the brake, I kept getting mud between the brake mechanism & wheel which caused the wheel to lock up. So personally I would recommend them for anyone who doesn't want to start from scratch building a pair, but they do need a few alterations for kiting.

BTW here's shot of the modified Leap skates in action
http://homernews.com/stories/081006/outdoors_4b001.shtml

Looking good! Yes, definitely lose the brake. Bringing the kite overhead while steering the skates upwind is the best way to stop. Nice article.